Bluegrass and Oldtime music
and improvisation on both fiddle and mandolin are the most requested music types
I teach, but I also teach many other styles, including Jazz and
Texas
style fiddle tunes.I don’t teach
Celtic music, but there are a lot of those tunes in the oldtime and Bluegrass
repertoire that I do teach. If you are looking for authentic Celtic fiddle or
mandolin, I am not the right teacher for those.

The lessons are based on
learning by ear (no written music) and improvisation.I prefer teaching by ear, as the styles I teach are RARELY played using
written music.Most students, even
people who have always read music to play, are surprised at how easy they can
learn by ear.Most are very pleased
at how much joy and freedom they get from improvisation. I ask in person folks
to bring a recording device to lessons so I can record what is to be learned.For Skype lessons, I record and email the material.

I am a full time private
lesson teacher, having taught for over 30 years.Teaching locations are Hammond Ashley
Violins in Issaquah and at my house in North Seattle.Depending on where you want lessons determines if I have any current open
times.I also teach Skype lessons
for those who are not able to attend in person.

Because playing music can
be so fun, I really stress having FUN
in the lessons and playing in general.The music styles I teach are group oriented (though the lessons are
private), so I teach the skills required for someone to play with others.

1) A person who wants
weekly lessons, so they are in my schedule at a given time every week.I recommend this type of lessons to a beginner who has never played an
instrument previously.

2) A person who wants non
weekly lessons.I have them email
when they want a lesson and how long, then we find a time that works for both of
us.Experienced players and
beginners who have played other instruments often do well this way.

IN PERSON LESSONS

I prefer to talk about in
person lessons by phone as you can ask questions and I can tell you how I like
to teach.Please call me at
206-367-9756 so we can talk.If you
get my answering machine, leave me a good time to call you.

SKYPE LESSONS

I prefer to talk on Skype
prior to setting anything up as you can ask questions and I can tell you how I
like to teach.If you are
interested, let’s find a time to meet.I live in Seattle, (Pacific time zone) and my Skype name is “petimar2”.

More about lessons

I like teaching folks of
all levels.If someone enjoys
playing, I enjoy teaching them.I
am very experienced in teaching beginners.My background in ergonomics means I teach efficient mechanics plus I can
also help many folks with pain and overuse injury issues.

Contact me with any questions, for information on lesson cost, available
times, etc.